Your First Scan

1. Your FirstScan Finding out you are pregnant is wonderful news, but the first few weeks of pregnancy can be a worrying time. Many couples are anxious about the risk of miscarriage in the first 12 weeks and just want to know their baby is okay, particularly if they have lost a previous pregnancy, experienced spotting or bleeding or have had IVF fertility treatment. For many women it’s as simple as needing to be reassured that they are still pregnant and the pregnancy is viable. Even if you haven’t experienced any of the above, the wait for the first scan on the NHS, (the dating or booking scan at 9 to 11 weeks), can seem like forever. Private pregnancy reassurance scans such as an early scan can put your mind at rest. Even if a problem is diagnosed, finding out can at least end the agony of being in limbo and not knowing what is happening. WHEN CAN YOU HAVE YOUR FIRST SCAN? Private ultrasound companies can give you an early scan from 6 to 11 weeks of your pregnancy. An early scan is sometimes referred to as a viability scan or first scan. The main purpose of an early scan is to confirm that you’re still pregnant and it may involve using a transvaginal or internal ultrasound probe. You’ll be asked to drink 0.5 litres (one pint) of water an hour before the appointment to help get a clearer picture of your baby. You’ll be examined by a fully qualified and experienced diagnostic sonographer who will be able to answer any questions you may have. They will check your baby’s heartbeat and measure their size so they can date your pregnancy and give you a provisional estimated delivery date or EDD. This takes around 20 minutes. In most cases there won’t be any problems and you’ll feel reassured by seeing your baby moving on the screen for the first time. If, however there is

2. something wrong with the pregnancy or the baby has died, you will be given counselling on what will happen next and what medical help you may need. DATING SCANS Dating scans (as the name suggests) are done to find out how many weeks pregnant you are and for most people they are the first scan they have. Although your pregnancy is traditionally dated from the first day of your last period, this is approximate as your doctor can’t be sure which day of the month you conceived on as some women have irregular cycles. Dating scans are performed between 12 and 16 weeks and can also tell you if you’re expecting one baby or a multiple pregnancy (they can’t tell you the sex of your baby, though). The appointment takes around 20 minutes and you’ll be asked to drink 0.5 litres of water (one pint) an hour before the scan. Ultrasound Direct offers a dating scan with 4DFreeview™ which enables you to see your baby moving in live 4D for no extra cost, and you’ll also be given 3D scan prints to take home. Private dating scans can be booked at a time convenient for you and your family, and you’ll also be able to bring along up to five guests (phone ahead to check your local clinic has enough space), including children. If you’re short on time and want a quick, more affordable first scan, the babyDATE™ scan may be what you’re looking for. It can be carried out between 13 and 16 weeks gestation and you can get an accurate EDD and find out how many babies you are expecting. The first scan takes just 10 minutes and costs only £39. You can still have up to three guests present and you get 2D black and white prints to take home with you.